Zonked!

[David Roper]

Hopefully I can save somebody else from the misfortune that just befell me. I have at least two sets that have bright CRTs with lots of life left but for their heater-cathode shorts. I searched "isolation brightener" on eBay and came across these. I bought a bagful and it arrived in the mail today. It states very clearly (twice) in the instructions something that should be stated on the auction page: "Device not to be used on older sets with 6.3V - 60 Hz power line heaters."

NOW you tell me. I also saved you the trouble of experimentation by proving that both the 'device' and its flimsy leads begin to burn up within five seconds of power being applied. These transformers are compatible only with sets that power everything from the high frequency AC derived from the flyback. Again, it would be nice if the seller clearly stated such. Live and learn.